Q: Supplemental Security Income benefits taxable?”
A: No. SSI payments are not taxable. You will not receive an annual form SSA-1099. You can learn more about SSI by reading the online publication, Supplemental Security Income at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.
Q: “If I call Social Security’s toll-free number, can a Social Security representative take my application for extra help over the phone?”
A: For the fastest service, apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. However, if you call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and an interviewer is available, he or she may be able to take your application over the phone. If an interviewer is not immediately available, we can schedule a telephone appointment for you. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). For more information about the Medicare prescription drug program, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Q: “What are some of the documents Social Security will accept as proof of identity for a child?”
A: We can accept only certain documents
as proof of your child’s identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your child’s name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. We generally can accept a nonphoto identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth or parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:
* Adoption decree;
* Doctor, clinic, or hospital record;
* Religious record (e.g., baptismal record);
* Daycare center or school record; or
* School identification card. (Your child may need to be present if a picture ID, such as a student ID, is presented as proof of identity.)
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Q: “I need to apply for disability benefits. Where do I start?”
A: Start online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages. You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment. You can apply from the convenience of your home or on any computer. You can use the online application to apply for benefits if you are age 18 or older, have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify, you have a medical condition that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or to end in death, and you reside in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths. Get started now at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.
Note: Social Security offices will be closed Friday.
Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from the Social Security District Director Martin Coffey. Submit questions by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.